Fiberglass vs Plastic Pergolas
Both fiberglass and plastic pergolas offer the benefit of a low maintenance outdoor structure. There are two types of plastic pergolas currently available, the first and most common is constucted from vinyl(also known as PVC). The second type of plastic pergola is constructed from a material similar to composite decking(Azek or Palite). These are low maintenance materials, however they differ significantly in terms of quality, lifetime and finish. Below is a detailed comparision of these materials.
Fiberglass
* Maintenance free
* Available in any color
* Structural material with free-spans of up to 20'
* Will not mildew, mold or yellow
* One piece CNC rafter tails
Vinyl
* Low maintenance but will mildew and yellow over time
* Non-structural vinyl tubes
* Pressure treated lumber is inserted into the vinyl and can sag, twist and rot
* Available in a limited number of colors
* Snap-on rafter tails
Azek
* Requires bi-annual painting
* Yellows and mildews over time
* Sheets of Azek are glued to either aluminum or lumber for structural support
* Azek will delaminate and fall of over time
* High cost of ownership
Comparison Chart
| Fiberglass | PVC(Vinyl fencing) | C-PVC(Azek) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance: | Maintenance free. | Maintenance free. Will yellow & mildew. | Requires bi-annual painting. Will yellow & mildew. |
| Finish: | Available in any color | Limited color options | Limited color options |
| Durability: | Hard industrial coatings. Durable cast fiberglass column bases. | Scratches easily. Plastic post bases break easily | Azek delaminates and fall off over time |
| Lifespan: | Designed to last a minimum of 15 years | Minimum of 5 years | Minimum of 5 years |
| Structural Properties: | Structural fiberglass pultrusions will not sag or warp. | Structural pressure treated core. Prone to sagging and warping. | Structural pressure treated core. Prone to sagging and warping. |
Azek Pergola Fail
Mildew
This Azek pergola was poorly constructed. It experienced yellowing, excessive rot and sagging as a result of the manufacturer cutting corners.
Beams
This what the main structural support beam looked like when the Azek fell off and the remainder was removed.
Baldwin to the rescue!
The client's contractor reached out to us and we replaced the existing structure with a fiberglass pergola that will last for years to come.
Testimonials
Elba & Edward BorgesThank you so so much for all of the perfect work that you put into our Pergola. Eddy and I love it, it is simply !BEAUTIFUL!, and looks wonderful on our patio. A great reason for wishing for Spring to arrive.
MichaelHello Matt, This could not have been easier, and it looks absolutely beautiful! took us just shy of 6 hours to put it up, and my wife is already priming the mahogany caps. wish i had another one to put somewhere! thanks again
Fran RosatoHi Guys! The pergola went up yesterday – I’m speechless!!! It’s so beautiful. I want to thank you for the time and effort you put into the design and execution of the project. I will send photos. The company was pleasure to work with from beginning to end. You have it right – don’t change a thing!
Jeff VeasmanThank you my friend, we just got done with the big pergola, it took longer to run the wires than it did to put the pergola together. It is freakin sweet Max, oh and by the way Deana Martin, Dean's daughter lives next door we did a three story add on for them but she said it looks spectacular. Thanks again Max, I'll be sending some pics.
Kelly SpencerThe pergola looks beautiful and is getting rave reviews. It took about 7 hours to erect with 2 fairly good hands to help me. Thanks Max, I think I will have more work for you in the future.
Jeff RiddellAs a cabinetmaker and woodworker, I send you kudos on your system, the communication that we've had, the quality of the product. It's a pretty simple kit that arrived and it installs just about as easily as your website suggests. On a personal level, it's really cool to make connections with other people that have the same sense of pride in their work. This stuff is as much about service as it is product.
Christine Bullard DBA Complete Building ServicesHello Max, It took awhile but here are some pictures of the beautiful pergola. When were done with the project I would like to send you a better picture. I was great working with you & I’ll e-mail you when it is complete. Thank You.
Minh VuThere is still landscaping to do but I thought you would like to see the completed pergola on location. The quality and packing were quite excellent and I've received rave reviews about the pergola from neighbors.
Michael DivittoNothing but rave reviews on the pergola. You really out did yourself.
JonathanChris, Max Here is a picture (it looks pretty much just like the rendering you sent me) - obviously without the railings. I'll send you a better picture when it is all done in the end. Thanks again for everything. Customer and his wife are VERY happy with the pergola. Customer is one of my most repetitive clients, and I have never seen him soo happy about a project.
"First, man defines his architecture. Forever after, his architecture defines him."
It's been a tremendous honor to design and build these fantastic structures for our customers. We look forward to upcoming challenges and the beauty they bless us with.
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